Chives are one of my favourite herbs – not only has it been easy to grow but also it is so useful.  It is a hardy perennial. The bulbs grow very close together in dense tufts or clusters, and the vegetative parts die down in the winter. The slender leaves appear early in spring and are long, cylindrical and hollow, tapering to a point and about the thickness of a field rush and  they grow from 12 to 15 inches high. Though you are supposed to nip off the flowering stem I rarely do, and then a small purple clover-like flower appears. In my garden the chives do not often mature their seeds.

Chives: Companion Planting in the garden
Planted near roses will repel APHIDS
Grow near apple trees to prevent SCAB
Has a fungicide effect which protects against BLACK SPOT and MILDEW

Special Note: Allow chives to flower then cut and lay them on the ground between strawberry plants to deter fungi. Chives are beneficial throughout the garden, but do not plant next to peas and beans

Uses in the Kitchen
Chives are excellent in savoury omelettes, and may be chopped and boiled with potatoes that are to be mashed, or chopped fresh and sprinkled, just before serving, on mashed potatoes, both as a garnish and flavouring. They may also be put into soup, either dried, or freshly cut and finely chopped, and are a welcome improvement to homemade sausages, salads, etc., as well as an excellent addition to steak puddings and pies.